Security officer asks for hearing

School administrators placed Richard Novia on administrative leave immediately following a March 11 altercation involving him and a 17-year-old junior at the high school.

According to police, during disciplinary action for an unrelated incident, Novia pushed the student while in his office with police School Resource Officer Domenic Costello.

The student told Novia, "You can't put your (expletive) hands on me," to which Novia responded, "One day you are going to get your (expletive) kicked," according to police.

The student's family did not file a complaint against Novia after meeting with police, but district administrators put Novia on paid administrative leave.

Attorney Vincent Sabatini, representing Novia, a 15-year employee of the school system, told the board at its meeting Tuesday that because the Board of Education, not school administrators, signed Novia's contract, he deserves the right to have the board address the issue.

"This is something the board should know about and be discussed," Sabatini said.

Board member David Nanavaty said he was reluctant to hear Sabatini speak publicly about the incident.

"If this is an issue that may at some time come before the board, perhaps we should wait until that time comes," Nanavaty said. "If we hear this now, it could essentially take us out of the equation."

Sabatini was quickly silenced by Nanavaty when he attempted to read written testimonials from colleagues in support of Novia's overall work performance.

Sabatini stressed that "time is of the essence" because Novia's contract with the school district expires June 30.

Sabatini also produced a letter from school administrators that said Novia's contract would not be renewed.

"It was curious to me that Novia has a contract with the board, yet we have administrative action indicating the contract would not be renewed," he said.

Human Resources director Joan Libby said school administrators have authority delegated by the board to pursue disciplinary action. In addition, Libby said Novia's contract is determined on a yearly basis, and he does not belong to a union.

Nanavaty said he had not seen Novia's contract and asked what remedy there is under that document.

Sabatini responded that the remedy rests with the board. "I think he has been unfairly treated, and the board needs to be aware of what is going on."

Board of Education chairman Elaine McClure said an executive session has been scheduled for the board's May 20 meeting, although the school district's lawyer told her the board is not legally obligated to have an executive session about Novia.

"This is the board's option on the way it wants to handle this," she said. "Whether or not that executive session takes place in public would be up to Mr. Novia."